Abstracts

**Abstracts **

Research Mentor: Dr. Angel Caraballo, Inter American University-Metropolitan Campus, San Juan, Puerto Rico
 * WHAT ARE THE COMPUTER CRIMES? AND HOW THESE CAN BE PREVENTED **
 * Carola Falú, Adriana Portela ****, **Colegio Bautista, Caguas, Puerto Rico

Many people work and make transactions through the Internet, and most young adults spend a lot of time on social networking sites. Many times computer users think that these transactions and profiles are protected, when in fact they face a strong possibility of being victims of fraud, password theft, or many other //“computer crimes” //. The purpose of this descriptive investigation was to study computer crimes and their prevention. Different crimes that can be performed through the use of computers or networks are presented and described. Also, methods or programs that can be used to protect users against computer crimes or cybercrimes are included. After acquiring this knowledge, computer and network users can navigate with the certainty of being protected.

Research Mentor: Prof. Irma Alvarez, Inter American University-Metropolitan Campus, San Juan, Puerto Rico
 * ROBOTICS SURGERY BENEFITS AND DISADVANTAGES **
 * Rafael Martínez, Héctor Rebollo ****, **Colegio Bautista, Caguas, Puerto Rico

Robots are computerized and mechanized systems that are used to perform from simple tasks to complex tasks. They are also machines capable of imitating human reactions. Robots operate automatically based on a given command. Since they were first introduced in surgery by the year 1987, they have become a huge advantage for surgeons and patients as well. Robotic surgery is one of the ways robotics is developing incredibly fast, considering this specialty is practically new. It can change the way of surgery in operation rooms and be a great benefit for the patients and the surgeons. There are a lot of aspects in which robotic surgery can be a rewarding advancement in technology. Robotic surgery systems are more stable than human hands, and can also be controlled at a distance, so the need of the surgeon being present at the surgery room, eventually, will not be so important. Despite all this, there are disadvantages and problems that come about from the increasing use of this technology. This research project deals with the presentation of potential benefits and disadvantages of the use of the Robotic Surgery Technology as reported in the professional literature.

Research Mentor: Dr. Angel Caraballo, Inter American University-Metropolitan Campus, San Juan, Puerto Rico
 * ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE: WHAT IS IT AND WHERE DO WE FIND IT? **
 * Jenipher D. González, Leida M.Vázquez ****, **Colegio Bautista, Caguas, Puerto Rico

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is the science known for making intelligent machines. In this context intelligence means the ability of machines to simulate human thinking, reasoning and problem solving. AI was created back in 1956 when John McCarthy united a group of young scientists to put their thoughts and knowledge together to think about the future. AI technology can be found in Expert Systems which can be used for healthcare, business, to find faults in machines, and more. Since AI is such an ambitious science, researchers are still very far away from their goal, but they have made progress. The purpose of this research was to study Artificial Intelligence and where it is to be found. The main purpose of this investigation is to be able to inform the general public about the basics of this promising science.

Research Mentor: Dr. Angel Caraballo, Inter American University-Metropolitan Campus, San Juan, Puerto Rico
 * ELECTRONIC GAMES **
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">Francheska M. Rivera Rodríguez, Krizzia M. Díaz Martínez ****<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">, **<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">Margarita Janer Palacios School, Guaynabo, Puerto Rico

Violence and realism of electronic games have been a concern from the outset to parents and educators. According to a study conducted by ERIC Childhood Clearinghouse on Elementary and Early Childhood Education Campaign, IL (2005), electronic games are having a negative impact on the consciousness of children and adolescents since the games tend to make children have more aggressive thoughts than those who have used non-violent games. In another investigation conducted at the University of Iowa by Bushman and Anderson, it was found that after being exposed to these violent games players become less sensitive to the suffering of others and lose their enthusiasm to help others. These players do not seem surprised by everyday violence but also they accept and apply it in their routine life. All this aggression against others is affecting the value system of our youth. Psychological development experts recommend parents to prevent their children to play these violent electronic games. Other negative aspects related to the games include: excessive noise, lack of ventilation and oxygenation, waste of time to study and exercise, search for competitiveness, individualism, and high economic costs.

Research Mentor: Prof. Irma Alvarez, Inter American University-Metropolitan Campus, San Juan, Puerto Rico
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">WEBSITE DESIGN STRATEGIES **
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">Yenaira Figueroa, Jonathan Bernazard ****<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">, **<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">Josefina Barceló School, Guaynabo, Puerto Rico

This research is to inform the public of how the HTML codes in concert with CSS can help liven up a web page. This research gives brief information about the function of each of these elements and the importance of using both codes in an integrated manner. Basically it is expected to show how these two codes can be used in the design of websites that have a positive impact on the users of these sites. Working with both codes could imply spending more time in the development of websites either for fun or to sell something, but in general this integration could promote the use of good website design strategies. Upon completion of this research, it is expected to inform about these website design strategies.

Research Mentor: Dr. Angel Caraballo, Inter American University-Metropolitan Campus, San Juan, Puerto Rico
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">HACKING **
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">Melanie Falcón, **<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">Josefina Barceló School, Guaynabo, Puerto Rico
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">Iván Martínez ****<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">, **<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">Colegio Nuestra Sra. Del Carmen, Trujillo Alto, Puerto Rico

The purpose of this research is to study hackers and what they do. Other topics include showing the damage that can be caused by a hacker and the ways to prevent this damage. Still another topic presented is the types of viruses such are trojans, worms, resident viruses, boot viruses, and others. Various anti-viruses are compared to show people which is best for their computer's security, specifically Panda and Norton. This research may help people learn about hackers and how harmful can they be, including ways to prevent viruses, and how to get well protected with an anti virus.

Research Mentor: Prof. Irma Alvarez, Inter American University-Metropolitan Campus, San Juan, Puerto Rico
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">WEB PAGES **
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">Denny Stefani Ramírez, Mónica I. Adorno **<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">, Josefina Barceló School, Guaynabo, Puerto Rico

This research served as our guide to learn the use of websites. You learn about the search for curriculum links on the Internet, web design, saving and inserting images free of the graphics, the adaptation of curricula, the search and expand your knowledge of HMTL code. Is very important for us to know about web pages in full, as it serves as a guideline for school, college, work or simply to expand our knowledge. The purpose of this research is to inform people about how it's done a search on the internet and pages as designed.

Research Mentor: Dr. Angel Caraballo, Inter American University-Metropolitan Campus, San Juan, Puerto Rico
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">PROGRAMMING LANGUAGES: A C++ AND JAVA COMPARISON **
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">Yensea Costas, Tayra Torres ****<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">, **<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">Episcopal Cathedral School, San Juan, Puerto Rico

Computers are tools created by humans to achieve a wide range of tasks all dealing from computation to interaction. These are all possible due to programming languages. They are what transforms a computer from being cables and chips, into a magnificent and prolific tool. On this research, the world of the latest software programming languages as well as their history has been investigated. Computer programs manage the computer resources. To write these programs, programming languages are needed. These are artificial languages used by the programmer to write and control the machine. They establish a direct relationship between the machine and the user. They are a specialized software intended on creating other software. The programming languages’ main purpose is to control computer behavior and express algorithms. In this research, a comparison between the third generational programming language known as C++ and the fourth generational programming language known as Java, two of the most well-known languages, has been developed. These object oriented languages changed programming forever.

Research Mentor: Prof. Irma Alvarez, Inter American University-Metropolitan Campus, San Juan, Puerto Rico
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">ROBOTICS PROTHESIS **
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">Elliot Felipe, Jennifer Rodríguez, **<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">Episcopal Cathedral School, San Juan, Puerto Rico

Prosthesis is a replacement for a missing body part. Prosthesis not only is associated with missing arms and legs, but also with internal devices such as heart valves. Robotic prosthesis is mostly associated with the missing arm and leg, controlled by thought. The intention behind prosthesis is giving the person freedom and independence as well as the simple motor skills to command their lives. Archaeologists have unearthed the oldest known splint from the fifth Egyptian Dynasty. An artificial limb dating from 300 B.C. was a copper and wood leg unearthed at Capri, Italy in 1858. The technology of prosthesis has evolved incredibly since then. In the 19th century, prosthesis for arms and legs started to be made robotic. The loss of extremities has become quite common in today’s society, which makes prosthetic sciences quite demanding. Although this might seem as a definite solution, it also has its unfavorable factors. The injury’s severity and the costs behind the amputation, prosthesis, and other medical attentions might transform this medical-scientific advancement into an impossible miracle. These and other factors including the prostheses’ structure, functions, and effects in society will further be studied during the course of this investigation.

Research Mentor: Prof. Irma Alvarez, Inter American University-Metropolitan Campus, San Juan, Puerto Rico
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">GENOMES, DISORDERS, AND DATABASES **
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">Isabel C. Ibarra Soto, **<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">Episcopal Cathedral School, San Juan, Puerto Rico

This project investigates all four types of genetic disorders in order to find out which is the most common among the Puerto Rican community. With this information, this project addressed how the Human Genome Project has helped the scientific community to find cures for this type of disorders. Throughout this extensive Internet research, it was found that the most common type of genetic diseases in Puerto Rican society are the multifactorial genetic diseases. Thanks to advances in the Human Genome Project, single-gene genetic disorders have been getting treatments but since multifactorial genetic disorders have the environmental factor included for the cure for this type of disease, it has been difficult to address and much more difficult to solve or find a cure for it. Estimates and prognosis state that the cure for this type of diseases will most likely be found in about 20 years.

Research Mentor: Dr. Angel Caraballo, Inter American University-Metropolitan Campus, San Juan, Puerto Rico
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">CRYPTOGRAPHY AND ENCRYPTION **
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Gamalier Oliveras, Mariely Vega, **<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Josefina Barceló School, Guaynabo, Puerto Rico

Have you ever wanted to send your crush a secret love letter without anyone else understanding what this message says? This is where Cryptography comes in. Cryptography is a way to secure data and has been part of life since ancient times, although it has developed and evolved. This technique is used all over the world to secure information. The method used to apply cryptography is encryption. This consists of using codes and ciphers to write secret messages that nobody besides a selected number of people can understand. This research investigated and searched for better ways to apply these methods or systems, to make it easier for everyone to understand how they can protect their information and privacy from eavesdroppers. An experiment was conducted which consisted on making people encrypt and decrypt a message to see which method was easier and faster for them to use. Some algorithms were compared to see which of these contained more bits (digital memory). Also, some codes and ciphers were compared to show their most common uses and how they could be used to make it easier to protect personal information.